There aren't many question marks when it comes to the Oklahoma Sooners' defense. The Sooners ranked in the top-10 in several categories, including total defense, rushing defense, sacks and tackles for loss.
If there was a question, it would be the depth in the interior defensive line. The Sooners lost both starters from last year, Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams. But Jayden Jackson and David Stone have a ton of experience. The issue is there isn't much experience after them. Trent Wilson, Nigel Smith II and James "Tank" Carrington have received some offseason buzz.
The surprise of the room might be former Georgia State Panther Bishop Thomas. He totaled 48 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks last season. Head coach Brent Venables praised
Thomas' attention to detail.
"A lot of the little details from a discipline standpoint, from a fundamental standpoint, have shown up consistently," Venables said. "Not perfect. But instead of trying to make plays, he's been able to do a lot of the little things it takes to execute in the big picture of any defensive call. There's a depth of what we do. My job is to figure out who can do what well, and then give it to them when they're in there."
That type of discipline is particularly valuable for a defensive tackle. Thomas doesn't necessarily need to chase splash plays to earn playing time. If he can consistently execute his assignment, occupy space and maintain his responsibilities within Oklahoma's scheme, he can give Venables another trustworthy option in the rotation.
If Thomas can turn the consistency that has impressed Venables into reliable production on Saturdays, Oklahoma's biggest question along the interior defensive line could become considerably less concerning. And with Jackson and Stone leading the room, having Thomas emerge as a trusted rotational piece could give the Sooners the depth they need to keep their defense performing at a high level throughout the season.
Thomas will take the field in Norman against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners on Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT on SECN+.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners' Brent Venables reveals what has stood out about Bishop Thomas
